"The Complete Persepolis" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Character Name	Role
Marjane Satrapi	Protagonist
Anoosh	Marjane's Uncle
Taji Satrap	Marjane's Father
Mrs. Nasrine Satrapi	Marjane's Mother
Grandmother	Marjane's Grandmother
Mehri	Marjane's Maid
Uncle Fereydoon	Marjane's Uncle

Role Identification

Marjane Satrapi is the protagonist of "The Complete Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi. The book is a memoir in graphic novel format, recounting Marjane's experiences growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War.

Character Descriptions

Marjane Satrapi

Marjane, also known as Marji, is a young girl who is the central character and narrator of the story. She is depicted as a rebellious and outspoken individual with a strong sense of justice and a desire for freedom. Marjane is deeply influenced by her family's intellectual and political background, which shapes her perspective on the world.

Anoosh

Anoosh is Marjane's uncle and a key figure in her life. He is portrayed as a kind and loving uncle who instills in Marjane a sense of pride in her Iranian heritage. Anoosh's political activism leads to his imprisonment and execution, which deeply affects Marjane.

Taji Satrap

Taji is Marjane's father, a caring and supportive figure throughout her journey. He encourages Marjane's intellectual development and provides her with valuable guidance. Taji is depicted as a liberal-minded individual who believes in the importance of education and critical thinking.

Mrs. Nasrine Satrapi

Mrs. Nasrine Satrapi is Marjane's mother, a strong-willed and determined woman. She is portrayed as a progressive individual who challenges societal norms and expectations. Mrs. Satrapi also plays a vital role in Marjane's upbringing and acts as a source of inspiration and support.

Grandmother

Marjane's grandmother is a wise and resilient woman who provides Marjane with valuable insights and life lessons. She represents the older generation and serves as a connection to Iran's history and traditions.

Mehri

Mehri is Marjane's maid and childhood friend. Despite their class differences, Mehri and Marjane share a close bond. Mehri's story highlights the social and economic disparities within Iranian society.

Uncle Fereydoon

Uncle Fereydoon is Marjane's uncle who lives in the United States. He offers Marjane a different perspective on life outside Iran and becomes a source of support and guidance for her.

Character Traits

Marjane Satrapi

• Rebellious: Marjane constantly challenges societal norms and expectations, refusing to conform to the restrictions imposed by the Islamic Revolution.
• Intelligent: Marjane is portrayed as intellectually curious and eager to learn, often engaging in discussions about politics and philosophy.
• Courageous: Marjane displays bravery in the face of adversity, whether it's standing up to authority figures or participating in protests.
• Empathetic: Marjane shows empathy towards others, particularly those who suffer due to political repression or social injustices.
• Determined: Despite facing numerous obstacles, Marjane remains determined to pursue her dreams and fight for her beliefs.

Anoosh

• Loving: Anoosh deeply cares for Marjane and provides her with emotional support throughout her childhood.
• Patriotic: Anoosh instills in Marjane a sense of pride in her Iranian identity and heritage.
• Brave: Anoosh's political activism demonstrates his courage and commitment to his beliefs.
• Inspirational: Anoosh serves as an inspiration for Marjane, motivating her to question authority and fight for justice.

Taji Satrap

• Supportive: Taji supports and encourages Marjane's intellectual and personal growth.
• Progressive: Taji embraces liberal values and encourages critical thinking.
• Loving: Taji is a caring and affectionate father figure to Marjane.
• Rational: Taji approaches situations with logic and reason, providing guidance and advice based on his own experiences.

Mrs. Nasrine Satrapi

• Strong-Willed: Mrs. Satrapi challenges societal norms and expectations, refusing to be confined by traditional gender roles.
• Independent: Mrs. Satrapi's determination to pursue her own career and education showcases her independence and self-reliance.
• Supportive: Mrs. Satrapi supports Marjane's aspirations and encourages her to be true to herself.
• Progressive: Mrs. Satrapi's progressive mindset challenges oppressive ideologies and traditions.

Grandmother

• Wise: Grandmother imparts valuable wisdom and life lessons to Marjane, drawing from her own experiences.
• Resilient: Grandmother's resilience in the face of hardship and loss is a testament to her strength.
• Traditional: Grandmother represents the older generation and the preservation of Iranian traditions and cultural values.

Mehri

• Loyal: Mehri remains loyal to Marjane despite their class differences and the challenges they face.
• Ambitious: Mehri's desire for a better life highlights her ambition and determination to overcome societal barriers.
• Vulnerable: Mehri's vulnerability is evident in her struggles with social and economic disparities.

Uncle Fereydoon

• Supportive: Uncle Fereydoon provides guidance and support to Marjane, offering her a different perspective on life outside Iran.
• Open-minded: Uncle Fereydoon's exposure to different cultures and ideas allows him to approach life with an open mind.
• Compassionate: Uncle Fereydoon's compassion towards Marjane showcases his caring nature.

Character Background

Marjane Satrapi

Marjane comes from an educated and politically active family in Iran. Growing up during the Islamic Revolution, Marjane witnesses the drastic changes in her country as religious fundamentalism takes hold. Her family's liberal values and intellectual background shape her perspective on the world and fuel her desire for freedom and justice.

Anoosh

Anoosh is Marjane's uncle who becomes a significant influence in her life. He is a political activist and Marxist who is eventually arrested, imprisoned, and executed for his beliefs. Anoosh's sacrifice and love for his country inspire Marjane to fight against injustice and oppression.

Taji Satrap

Taji Satrap is Marjane's father, a well-educated man who believes in the importance of education and critical thinking. He supports Marjane's intellectual development and plays a crucial role in shaping her worldview. Taji's liberal values and rational approach to life provide a counterbalance to the prevailing conservative ideologies during the Islamic Revolution.

Mrs. Nasrine Satrapi

Mrs. Nasrine Satrapi is Marjane's mother, a strong and independent woman who challenges societal norms and expectations. She pursues her own career and education, demonstrating the importance of female empowerment and self-determination. Mrs. Satrapi's progressive mindset influences Marjane's own beliefs and actions.

Grandmother

Marjane's grandmother represents the older generation and serves as a connection to Iran's history and traditions. She shares stories of Iran's past, providing Marjane with a deeper understanding of her cultural heritage and the challenges faced by previous generations.

Mehri

Mehri is initially introduced as Marjane's maid and childhood friend. Despite their class differences, Mehri and Marjane form a close bond. Mehri's story highlights the social and economic disparities within Iranian society, as she dreams of a better life beyond her role as a maid.

Uncle Fereydoon

Uncle Fereydoon is Marjane's uncle who lives in the United States. He offers Marjane a different perspective on life outside Iran, exposing her to new ideas and cultures. Uncle Fereydoon becomes a source of support and guidance for Marjane as she navigates her own journey.

Character Arcs

Marjane Satrapi

Marjane's character arc is marked by her growth and transformation from a young girl to an independent woman. She begins as an idealistic child who passionately fights against the injustices of the Islamic Revolution. However, as she matures, Marjane faces disillusionment and struggles with her identity. She leaves Iran to study in Austria but ultimately returns, realizing her connection to her homeland and her responsibility to fight for change from within.

Anoosh

Anoosh's character arc is tragic but inspiring. He starts as a beloved uncle who instills in Marjane a sense of pride in her Iranian heritage. However, his political activism leads to his arrest and execution. Anoosh's sacrifice and love for his country have a lasting impact on Marjane, shaping her determination to fight against injustice.

Taji Satrap

Taji's character arc is primarily one of support and guidance. He remains a constant presence in Marjane's life, providing her with intellectual stimulation and emotional support. Taji's influence helps shape Marjane's worldview and encourages her to pursue her dreams.

Mrs. Nasrine Satrapi

Mrs. Satrapi's character arc reflects her journey of empowerment and defiance against societal expectations. She challenges traditional gender roles and pursues her own career and education, serving as a role model for Marjane. Mrs. Satrapi's progressive mindset and determination inspire Marjane to fight for her beliefs.

Grandmother

Grandmother's character arc is one of resilience and wisdom. She serves as a source of guidance and support for Marjane, imparting valuable lessons and stories from Iran's past. Grandmother's strength in the face of adversity inspires Marjane to persevere and remain connected to her cultural heritage.

Mehri

Mehri's character arc highlights the struggles faced by individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds in Iranian society. Despite facing hardships, Mehri's ambitions and dreams for a better life showcase her resilience and determination. Her friendship with Marjane challenges societal divisions and highlights the importance of empathy and compassion.

Uncle Fereydoon

Uncle Fereydoon's character arc revolves around his role as a mentor and support system for Marjane. He offers her a different perspective on life outside Iran and becomes a source of guidance during her time in Austria. Uncle Fereydoon's compassion and understanding help Marjane navigate her personal and cultural identity.

Relationships

Marjane's relationships with various characters shape her journey and contribute to her growth and development. Her bond with Anoosh instills in her a sense of pride in her heritage and a determination to fight against injustice. The support and guidance provided by Taji and Mrs. Satrapi serve as a strong foundation for Marjane's intellectual and emotional growth. Grandmother's wisdom and Mehri's friendship offer Marjane valuable insights into Iranian society and the impact of social and economic disparities. Finally, Uncle Fereydoon's role as a mentor and source of support provides Marjane with a different perspective on life and helps her navigate her personal and cultural identity.